Momotaro

Year by year

Inspections

1. Oct 1, 2025 Complaint Re-Inspection · Pass — Risk 1 (High)
   • Severity not stated

     PLUMBING INSTALLED; PROPER BACKFLOW DEVICES

     5-205.15 REPAIR THE WATER LEAK FROM THE HIGH TEMPERATURE CONVEYOR DISHMACHINE LOCATED IN THE BASEMENT DISHWASHING AREA.

   • Severity not stated

     PHYSICAL FACILITIES INSTALLED, MAINTAINED & CLEAN

     6-501.12 CLEAN THE FLOOR OF THE 1ST FLOOR PREP AREA UNDER THE PREP COOLERS AND IN THE CORNERS UNDER EQUIPMENT. CLEAN THE CEILING TILES IN THE BASEMENT FOOD PREP AREA WITH FOOD DEBRIS.

   • Severity not stated

     PHYSICAL FACILITIES INSTALLED, MAINTAINED & CLEAN

     6-501.11 REPAIR THE FLOORING UNDERNEATH THE PREP COOLER NEAR THE EXPO STATION AT THE 1ST FLOOR PREP AREA.

2. Sep 22, 2025 Complaint · Fail — Risk 1 (High)
   • Not serious Priority Foundation

     INSECTS, RODENTS, & ANIMALS NOT PRESENT

     OBSERVED APPROX. 75 LIVE SMALL FLYING INSECTS ON THE WALLS AND CEILINGS IN THE 1ST FLOOR AND BASEMENT FOOD PREP, DRY STORAGE AND DISH WASHING AREAS, AND IN THE STAIRWELL LEADING TO THE ALLEY AND BASEMENT FOOD PREP AREA. ADDITIONAL PEST CONTROL SERVICE IS NEEDED TO ELIMINATE THE PEST ACTIVITY THROUGHOUT. PRIORITY FOUNDATION VIOLATION 7-38-020(A). CITATION ISSUED.

   • Severity not stated

     NON-FOOD/FOOD CONTACT SURFACES CLEAN

     CLEAN THE EXTERIOR OF THE GREASE TRAP AND DRAIN LINES LOCATED NEXT TO THE 3-COMPARTMENT SINK IN THE 1ST FLOOR PREP AREA.

   • Severity not stated

     PLUMBING INSTALLED; PROPER BACKFLOW DEVICES

     REPAIR THE WATER LEAK FROM THE HIGH TEMPERATURE CONVEYOR DISHMACHINE LOCATED IN THE BASEMENT DISHWASHING AREA.

3. Mar 8, 2024 Canvass · Pass — Risk 1 (High)
   • Severity not stated

     ADEQUATE HANDWASHING SINKS PROPERLY SUPPLIED AND ACCESSIBLE

     OBSERVED MISSING HANDWASH SIGN AT FIRST FLOOR BAR AREA HAND SINK. INSTRUCTED TO PROVIDE AND MAINTAIN.

   • Severity not stated

     PHYSICAL FACILITIES INSTALLED, MAINTAINED & CLEAN

     OBSERVED GREASE BUILDUP, FOOD DEBRIS, AND DIRT ON THE FLOOR IN THE BASEMENT BAR AREA. INSTRUCTED MANAGER TO CLEAN FLOORS UNDER ALL EQUIPMENT, ALONG WALLS, AND ALL CORNERS IN ALL AREAS. INSTRUCTED TO CLEAN AND MAINTAIN.

4. Feb 17, 2023 Canvass · Pass w/ Conditions — Risk 1 (High)
   • Not serious Priority Foundation

     CONSUMER ADVISORY PROVIDED FOR RAW/UNDERCOOKED FOOD

     OBSERVED NO DISCLOSURE STATEMENT INCLUDED ON THE IZAKAYA MENU CONSUMER ADVISORY. INSTRUCTED MANAGEMENT TO ADD A DISCLOSURE STATEMENT TO THE CURRENT ADVISORY: "ITEMS CAN BE SERVED RAW OR UNDERCOOKED OR CONTAIN UNDERCOOKED INGREDIENTS. " PRIORITY FOUNDATION 7-38-005. MANAGEMENT UPDATED MENUS AT THE TIME OF INSPECTION, AND THEY NOW INCLUDE A DISCLOSURE STATEMENT.

   • Severity not stated

     FOOD & NON-FOOD CONTACT SURFACES CLEANABLE, PROPERLY DESIGNED, CONSTRUCTED & USED

     OBSERVED A CUTTING BOARD WITH OPEN SEAMS AND DARK STAINS IN THE BASEMENT BAR. MUST REFINISH OR REPLACE DAMAGED OR STAINED CUTTING BOARDS AND MAINTAIN. MANAGEMENT DISCARDED THE CUTTING BOARD.

   • Severity not stated

     PLUMBING INSTALLED; PROPER BACKFLOW DEVICES

     OBSERVED THE HANDWASHING SINK IN THE BASEMENT CUSTOMER WASHROOM (#1) SLOW DRAINING. MUST REPAIR.

   • Severity not stated

     PHYSICAL FACILITIES INSTALLED, MAINTAINED & CLEAN

     OBSERVED AN ACCUMULATION OF DIRT ON THE WALK-IN FREEZER FLOOR. MUST CLEAN AND MAINTAIN.

5. Feb 16, 2022 Canvass · Pass — Risk 1 (High)
   • Severity not stated

     ALLERGEN TRAINING AS REQUIRED

     OBSERVED ONLY 1 ALLERGEN TRAINING CERTIFICATE ON SITE. ESTABLISHMENT HAS NUMEROUS OF CERTIFIED FOOD MANAGERS. INSTRUCTED TO PROVIDE ALLERGEN TRAINING FOR ALL CERTIFIED FOOD MANAGERS.

6. Sep 4, 2019 Complaint Re-Inspection · Pass w/ Conditions — Risk 1 (High)
   • Not serious Priority Foundation

     PROPER DATE MARKING AND DISPOSITION

     OBSERVED VARIOUS TIME/TEMPERATURE CONTROL FOR SAFETY FOOD ITEMS (RICE WATER VINEGARS, CRAB MEAT, LAMB MARINADES, PREPARED WATERMELON RADISHES, COOKED SUSHI RICE, BABY OCTOPUS , VARIOUS HOUSE SAUCES, ETC STORED IN ALL REFRIGERATION UNITS IN FACILITY WITH IMPROPER LABELS. INSTRUCTED TO PROVIDE DISCARD OR USE BY DATE LABEL ON ALL READY TO EAT, REFRIGERATED, PREPARED ON SITE AND HELD FOR MORE THAN 24 HOURS AND MAINTAIN. PRIORITY FOUNDATION VIOLATION .7-38-005. NO CITATION ISSUED.

   • Severity not stated

     TOILET FACILITIES: PROPERLY CONSTRUCTED, SUPPLIED, & CLEANED

     OBSERVED MULTIPLE RESTROOMS IN NEED OF A CLOSED LID GARBAGE CAN. INSTRUCTED TO PROVIDE.

7. Aug 26, 2019 Suspected Food Poisoning · Fail — Risk 1 (High)
   • Not serious Priority Foundation

     PROPER DATE MARKING AND DISPOSITION

     OBSERVED VARIOUS TIME/TEMPERATURE CONTROL FOR SAFETY FOOD ITEMS (RICE WATER VINEGARS, CRAB MEAT, LAMB MARINADES, PREPARED WATERMELON RADISHES, COOKED SUSHI RICE, BABY OCTOPUS , VARIOUS HOUSE SAUCES, ETC STORED IN ALL REFRIGERATION UNITS IN FACILITY WITH IMPROPER LABELS. INSTRUCTED TO PROVIDE DISCARD OR USE BY DATE LABEL ON ALL READY TO EAT, REFRIGERATED, PREPARED ON SITE AND HELD FOR MORE THAN 24 HOURS AND MAINTAIN. PRIORITY FOUNDATION VIOLATION .7-38-005. NO CITATION ISSUED.

   • Not serious Priority Foundation

     INSECTS, RODENTS, & ANIMALS NOT PRESENT

     OBSERVED APPROXIMATELY 35 SMALL BLACK LIVE FRUIT FLIES THROUGHOUT THE FACILITY IN THE FOLLOWING PLACES... APPROXIMATELY 8 SMALL BLACK LIVE FLIES IN BAR LOCATED IN BASEMENT FLYING THROUGHOUT AND AROUND IN PLACE LIQUOR BOTTLE STORAGE UNITS, 20 SMALL BLACK LIVE FLIES IN 1ST FLOOR SUSHI PREP AREA FLYING THROUGHOUT ON EXTERIOR REFRIGERATION UNITS, 7 SMALL BLACK LIVE FLIES IN 1ST FLOOR BAR AREA FLYING AROUND DRAINS AND EXPOSED SINKS. INSTRUCTED TO CONTACT PEST CONTROL PROFESSIONAL AND MINIMIZE SMALL BLACK LIVE FLY ACTIVITY. PRIORITY FOUNDATION VIOLATION. 7-38-020 (A). CITATION ISSUED.

   • Not serious Priority Foundation

     INSECTS, RODENTS, & ANIMALS NOT PRESENT

     OBSERVED PEST CONTROL SERVICE RECEIPT FROM ADDITIONAL PEST CONTROL SERVICE PROVIDED BY "DEMOS FRUIT FLY GUY" WITHOUT PROPER REQUIRED LOG BOOK FOR REVIEW ON PREMISES DURING TIME OF INSPECTION. LOGBOOK MUST INCLUDE ALL CONTENT PRESCRIBED IN THE RULES OF THE DEPARTMENT OF HEALTH. THEY ARE INCLUDING BUT NOT LIMITED TO ... COPY OF PEST CONTROL ILLINOIS DEPARTMENT OF HEALTH LICENSE NUMBER ,WRITTEN VERIFICATION OF CERTIFIED PEST TECHNICIAN RESPONSIBLE FOR USING PESTICIDES, A RECORD OF ALL VISITS TO THE RETAIL FOOD ESTABLISHMENT,ETC. PER MANAGER, SERVICE IS PROVIDED FROM SAID PEST CONTROL PROVIDER WEEKLY FOR SMALL BLACK LIVE FLY ACTIVITY. FACILITY MUST PROVIDE LOGBOOK AND MAINTAIN. PRIORITY FOUNDATION VIOLATION. 7-38-020 (C). CITATION ISSUED.

   • Severity not stated

     TOILET FACILITIES: PROPERLY CONSTRUCTED, SUPPLIED, & CLEANED

     OBSERVED MULTIPLE RESTROOMS IN NEED OF A CLOSED LID GARBAGE CAN. INSTRUCTED TO PROVIDE.

8. May 29, 2018 Suspected Food Poisoning · Pass — Risk 1 (High)
   • Not serious Minor

     FOOD IN ORIGINAL CONTAINER, PROPERLY LABELED: CUSTOMER ADVISORY POSTED AS NEEDED

     OBSERVED NO CONSUMER ADVISORY POSTED FOR SUSHI ITEMS AND STEAKS WHICH ARE SERVED RAW AND/OR COOKED TO ORDER. OPERATOR WAS PROVIDED A PLACARD DURING INSPECTION AND POSTED IN DINING ROOM.

   • Not serious Minor

     FOOD AND NON-FOOD CONTACT SURFACES PROPERLY DESIGNED, CONSTRUCTED AND MAINTAINED

     OBSERVED FOIL LINING THE ROBATA GRILL FRAME AND GREASE TRAP LID. INSTRUCTED TO REMOVE AND MAINTAIN GRILL EQUIPMENT AND GREASE TRAP LID TO BE SMOOTH, DURABLE AND EASILY CLEANABLE.

   • Not serious Minor

     WALLS, CEILINGS, ATTACHED EQUIPMENT CONSTRUCTED PER CODE: GOOD REPAIR, SURFACES CLEAN AND DUST-LESS CLEANING METHODS

     OBSERVED DARK BLACK MOIST SUBSTANCE ON THE WALL AND BASEBOARD SURROUNDING THE LEAKY BASEMENT BAR WATER FILTER. INSTRUCTED TO DETAIL CLEAN AND MAINTAIN.

   • Not serious Minor

     VENTILATION: ROOMS AND EQUIPMENT VENTED AS REQUIRED: PLUMBING: INSTALLED AND MAINTAINED

     OBSERVED LEAK AT THE WATER FILTER AT THE BASEMENT BAR. INSTRUCTED TO REPAIR.

9. Mar 3, 2017 Complaint · Pass — Risk 1 (High)
   • Not serious Minor

     FOOD AND NON-FOOD CONTACT SURFACES PROPERLY DESIGNED, CONSTRUCTED AND MAINTAINED

     PITTED CUTTING BOARD IN PREP AREA, INSTRUCTED TO REPAIR/REPLACE,

   • Not serious Minor

     FOOD AND NON-FOOD CONTACT EQUIPMENT UTENSILS CLEAN, FREE OF ABRASIVE DETERGENTS

     INTERIOR OF ICE MACHINE AND FAN GUARD IN WALK-IN COOLER NOT CLEAN, INSTRUCTED TO CLEAN DAILY,

   • Not serious Minor

     VENTILATION: ROOMS AND EQUIPMENT VENTED AS REQUIRED: PLUMBING: INSTALLED AND MAINTAINED

     FAUCET IN POOR REPAIR AT EXPOSED HAND SINK BEHIND SUSHI BAR, AND SLOW DRAINING EXPOSED HAND SINK IN PREP AREA, INSTRUCTED TO REPAIR,

10. Aug 4, 2016 Canvass Re-Inspection · Pass — Risk 1 (High)
    • Not serious Minor

      FOOD AND NON-FOOD CONTACT SURFACES PROPERLY DESIGNED, CONSTRUCTED AND MAINTAINED

      WORK CAULKING WITH BLACK/PINK SUBSTANCE AT BASE OF ALL EXPOSED HANDSINKS IN PREP AREAS, BOTH LARGE 3-COMPARTMENT SINKS AND AT DISHMACHINE LINE. INSTD TO REPLACE AND MAINTAIN. EXCESSIVE ICE ACCUMULATION AT UPRIGHT FREEZER. INSTD TO CORRECT SAME. RUST ACCUMULATION AT EXTERIOR TOP OF GREASE TRAP AT 1ST FLOOR 3 COMPARTMENT SINK. INSTD TO REMOVE RUST.

    • Not serious Minor

      FLOORS: CONSTRUCTED PER CODE, CLEANED, GOOD REPAIR, COVING INSTALLED, DUST-LESS CLEANING METHODS USED

      FLOOR AT FRONT GRILL AREA IN POOR REPAIR, UNEVEN, WORN SURFACE. INSTD TO REPAIR SAME SO AS TO BE SMOOTH, EVEN, EASILY CLEANABLE SURFACE.

    • Not serious Minor

      WALLS, CEILINGS, ATTACHED EQUIPMENT CONSTRUCTED PER CODE: GOOD REPAIR, SURFACES CLEAN AND DUST-LESS CLEANING METHODS

      VENTS ABOVE DISHMACHINE, IN 1ST FLOOR PREP AREA, AND BASEMENT WAIT STATION NOT CLEAN, EXCESSIVE DUST ACCUMULATION. INSTD TO CLEAN SAME. WALL UNDERNEATH AND BEHIND DISHMACHINE NOT CLEAN, DEBRIS ACCUMULATION, CLEAN SAME AND MAINTAIN.

11. Jul 28, 2016 Canvass · Fail — Risk 1 (High)
    • Not serious Serious (Chicago's middle tier)

      DISH WASHING FACILITIES: PROPERLY DESIGNED, CONSTRUCTED, MAINTAINED, INSTALLED, LOCATED AND OPERATED

      HEAVY LEAKS AT PIPES UNDER 3-COMPARTMENT SINK, CURRENTLY IN USE. INSTD TO REPAIR SAME, FREE OF LEAKS. CITATION ISSUED 7-38-030 SERIOUS.

    • Not serious Serious (Chicago's middle tier)

      INSPECTION REPORT SUMMARY DISPLAYED AND VISIBLE TO ALL CUSTOMERS

      SUMMARY REPORT NOT DISPLAYED OR VISIBLE TO CUSTOMERS. INSTD TO DISPLAY AND HAVE VISIBLE TO CUSTOMERS. CITATION ISSUED 7-42-010B SERIOUS.

    • Not serious Minor

      FOOD AND NON-FOOD CONTACT SURFACES PROPERLY DESIGNED, CONSTRUCTED AND MAINTAINED

      WORK CAULKING WITH BLACK/PINK SUBSTANCE AT BASE OF ALL EXPOSED HANDSINKS IN PREP AREAS, BOTH LARGE 3-COMPARTMENT SINKS AND AT DISHMACHINE LINE. INSTD TO REPLACE AND MAINTAIN. EXCESSIVE ICE ACCUMULATION AT UPRIGHT FREEZER. INSTD TO CORRECT SAME. RUST ACCUMULATION AT EXTERIOR TOP OF GREASE TRAP AT 1ST FLOOR 3 COMPARTMENT SINK. INSTD TO REMOVE RUST.

    • Not serious Minor

      FLOORS: CONSTRUCTED PER CODE, CLEANED, GOOD REPAIR, COVING INSTALLED, DUST-LESS CLEANING METHODS USED

      FLOOR AT FRONT GRILL AREA IN POOR REPAIR, UNEVEN, WORN SURFACE. INSTD TO REPAIR SAME SO AS TO BE SMOOTH, EVEN, EASILY CLEANABLE SURFACE.

    • Not serious Minor

      WALLS, CEILINGS, ATTACHED EQUIPMENT CONSTRUCTED PER CODE: GOOD REPAIR, SURFACES CLEAN AND DUST-LESS CLEANING METHODS

      VENTS ABOVE DISHMACHINE, IN 1ST FLOOR PREP AREA, AND BASEMENT WAIT STATION NOT CLEAN, EXCESSIVE DUST ACCUMULATION. INSTD TO CLEAN SAME. WALL UNDERNEATH AND BEHIND DISHMACHINE NOT CLEAN, DEBRIS ACCUMULATION, CLEAN SAME AND MAINTAIN.

    • Not serious Minor

      VENTILATION: ROOMS AND EQUIPMENT VENTED AS REQUIRED: PLUMBING: INSTALLED AND MAINTAINED

      LEAK AT PIPE UNDERNEATH SCRAP SINK AT DISHMACHINE AREA. REPAIR SAME.

12. Mar 24, 2015 Canvass Re-Inspection · Pass — Risk 1 (High)
    • Not serious Minor

      FLOORS: CONSTRUCTED PER CODE, CLEANED, GOOD REPAIR, COVING INSTALLED, DUST-LESS CLEANING METHODS USED

      CLEAN FLOORS UNDERNEATH ALL STORAGE RACKS AND SHELVES IN ALL DRY-GOODS AND NON-FOOD STORAGE AREAS(DIRT BUILDUP). CLEAN FLOOR INSIDE WALK-IN COOLER IN BASEMENT PREP AREA.

    • Not serious Minor

      VENTILATION: ROOMS AND EQUIPMENT VENTED AS REQUIRED: PLUMBING: INSTALLED AND MAINTAINED

      REPAIR LEAKY FAUCET AT 3 COMPARTMENT SINK IN FIRST FLOOR PREP AREA.

13. Feb 5, 2015 Canvass · Fail — Risk 1 (High)
    • Not serious Serious (Chicago's middle tier)

      PREVIOUS MINOR VIOLATION(S) CORRECTED 7-42-090

      THE FOLLOWING PREVIOUS MINOR VIOLATION NOTED 9-18-14 ON REPORT # 143550 NOT CORRECTED: -32-BRICK WALL IN MAIN PREP AREA AND WOOD BEAMS IN SUSHI PREP AND BASEMENT BAR NOT PROPERLY COVERED. ALL SURFACES MUST BE SMOOTH AND EASILY CLEANABLE. NON COMPLIANT SERIOUS VIOLATION 7-42-090.

    • Not serious Minor

      FOOD AND NON-FOOD CONTACT SURFACES PROPERLY DESIGNED, CONSTRUCTED AND MAINTAINED

      SEE VIOLATION #29.

    • Not serious Minor

      FOOD AND NON-FOOD CONTACT EQUIPMENT UTENSILS CLEAN, FREE OF ABRASIVE DETERGENTS

      CLEAN THE SIDES OF COOKING STOVES AND REAR EXTERIOR OF OVEN NEAR DISH WASHING AREA IN BASEMENT.

    • Not serious Minor

      FLOORS: CONSTRUCTED PER CODE, CLEANED, GOOD REPAIR, COVING INSTALLED, DUST-LESS CLEANING METHODS USED

      CLEAN FLOORS UNDERNEATH ALL STORAGE RACKS AND SHELVES IN ALL DRY-GOODS AND NON-FOOD STORAGE AREAS(DIRT BUILDUP). CLEAN FLOOR INSIDE WALK-IN COOLER IN BASEMENT PREP AREA.

    • Not serious Minor

      WALLS, CEILINGS, ATTACHED EQUIPMENT CONSTRUCTED PER CODE: GOOD REPAIR, SURFACES CLEAN AND DUST-LESS CLEANING METHODS

      CLEAN DUST BUILD-UP FROM LIGHT SHIELDS UNDERNEATH HOODS, AND HOOD ABOVE DISH MACHINE IN BASEMENT FOOD PREP AND DISHWASHING AREAS.

    • Not serious Minor

      VENTILATION: ROOMS AND EQUIPMENT VENTED AS REQUIRED: PLUMBING: INSTALLED AND MAINTAINED

      ALL PLASTIC HOSES CONNECTED TO TROUGHS ON BAR IN BASEMENT THAT ARE RUNNING INTO HANDSINKS AND 1 COMP. SINKS MUST BE TAPPED INTO FLOOR DRAINS IN SAME AREA. REPAIR LEAKY FAUCET AT 3 COMPARTMENT SINK IN FIRST FLOOR PREP AREA.

    • Not serious Minor

      APPROPRIATE METHOD OF HANDLING OF FOOD (ICE) HAIR RESTRAINTS AND CLEAN APPAREL WORN

      ALL FOOD HANDLERS WITH BEARDS MUST WEAR BEARD RESTRAINTS WHEN HANDLING OPEN FOODS.

14. Sep 22, 2014 License Re-Inspection · Pass — Risk 1 (High)
    • Not serious Minor

      FOOD AND NON-FOOD CONTACT SURFACES PROPERLY DESIGNED, CONSTRUCTED AND MAINTAINED

      BRICK WALL IN MAIN PREP AREA AND WOOD BEAMS IN SUSHI PREP AND BASEMENT BAR MUST BE COVERED. ALL SURFACES MUST BE SMOOTH AND EASILY CLEANABLE. CORRECT AND MAINTAIN.

15. Sep 18, 2014 License · Fail — Risk 1 (High)
    • Serious Critical

      FACILITIES TO MAINTAIN PROPER TEMPERATURE

      ALL REACH IN COOLERS MUST BE ON AND AVAILABLE FOR TESTING.

    • Serious Critical

      HANDS WASHED AND CLEANED, GOOD HYGIENIC PRACTICES; NO BARE HAND CONTACT WITH READY-TO-EAT FOODS.

      ALL HANDSINKS AND WASHBOWLS IN NEED OF SOAP AND PAPER TOWELS. MUST INSTALL AND MAINTAIN.

    • Not serious Serious (Chicago's middle tier)

      NO EVIDENCE OF RODENT OR INSECT OUTER OPENINGS PROTECTED/RODENT PROOFED, A WRITTEN LOG SHALL BE MAINTAINED AVAILABLE TO THE INSPECTORS

      LOGBOOK ON SITE HOWEVER NO PEST SERVICE CONDUCTED. ALL DOORS MUST BE RODENT PROOFED.

    • Not serious Minor

      FOOD AND NON-FOOD CONTACT SURFACES PROPERLY DESIGNED, CONSTRUCTED AND MAINTAINED

      BRICK WALL IN MAIN PREP AREA AND WOOD BEAMS IN SUSHI PREP AND BASEMENT BAR MUST BE COVERED. ALL SURFACES MUST BE SMOOTH AND EASILY CLEANABLE. CORRECT AND MAINTAIN.

    • Not serious Minor

      VENTILATION: ROOMS AND EQUIPMENT VENTED AS REQUIRED: PLUMBING: INSTALLED AND MAINTAINED

      MUST INSTALL HOT AND COLD RUNNING WATER TO THE TOP OF THE FROZEN DESSERT MACHINE.